Makueni County Governor Mutula KIlonzo Jnr and ENI Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra commissions a blood plasma deep freezer, and a refrigerated centrifuge machine at the county’s blood satellite center. Photo by Gvns Press 
By Andrew Mbuva
In a major stride toward ending malnutrition and improving maternal and child health, Makueni County has intensified its fight against malnutrition through a multi-sector partnership with development organizations including Eni Kenya, Helen Keller International, and Vitamin Angels.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, while flagging off new medical and nutrition support equipment on Tuesday, said the county is determined to tackle the challenge of low birth weight and acute malnutrition among newborns and mothers. The county’s collaboration with Eni Kenya has already begun to show positive results in improving nutrition outcomes.
“When we made a request to Eni Kenya last year, they helped us acquire vital nutrients for newborns and mothers who have given birth,” Governor Mutula said. “From our statistics, we found that many newborns were underweight or malnourished. But with these nutrients, babies with acute or mild malnutrition are now able to recover within a month.”
The event, held at the Mother and Child Hospital, saw the launch of specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipment, the commissioning of a blood plasma deep freezer, and a refrigerated centrifuge machine at the county’s blood satellite center.
These state-of-the-art machines will enable the separation of blood components — including plasma — to improve treatment for various medical conditions and emergencies.
Governor Mutula lauded Eni Kenya’s continued support, noting that the new technology has made Makueni a model for other counties. “We are proud that even counties like Murang’a are coming here to learn from our system. Our modern equipment has enabled us to maintain an adequate blood supply and even donate to other regions during emergencies,” he added.
The partnership has also seen Eni Kenya equip the Kambi Mawe Maternity Block with medical tools, a new ablution block, and a septic tank, strengthening maternal health infrastructure in the region.
In addition, 11 nurses and a neonatal consultant have received specialized training to manage premature and critical neonatal cases, ensuring that no mother loses her child due to preventable complications.
“Our goal is to make sure every baby and every mother who visits our hospitals goes home healthy,” Mutula emphasized.
Eni Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to supporting health and nutrition programs in Makueni and across Kenya.
“This is the first step in a growing journey together. We are proud to contribute to sustainable solutions that improve lives,” Morra said.
The county has also begun distributing fortified blended flour to vulnerable groups — including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers — as part of its broader campaign against malnutrition.
Governor Mutula underscored that nutrition remains at the heart of Makueni’s human capital development agenda. “A well-nourished population is the foundation of a productive and healthy society,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to achieving better health and nutrition outcomes for all residents.
